Copied to Clipboard
North Broad Renaissance
Beneath ornate cornices and glowing lights, Philly’s revitalized North Broad corridor pulses with restored grandeur, iconic landmarks and an electrifying wave of cultural momentum.
The architecturally rich boulevard is a hub of history, art and entertainment. It’s the home of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, The Rail Park, Temple University, The Met Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Ballet, The Divine Lorraine and so much more.
The four-mile corridor spans from Philadelphia’s City Hall to Germantown Avenue, touching neighborhoods like Callowhill, Fairmount, Spring Garden, Yorktown and Nicetown-Tioga.
Read on for a guide to North Broad, curated with help from North Broad Renaissance, an organization devoted to community revitalization and economic empowerment along North Broad.
Founded in 1805 as the nation’s first art museum and first art school, the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA) features Victorian Gothic architecture and works by famous American artists — from the 18th century to modern day.
Currently, the museum’s Historic Landmark Building is temporarily closed through Spring 2026 for renovations, but exhibitions continue in the Hamilton Building just next door.
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts — Photo by B. Krist for Visit Philadelphia
Across from Philadelphia’s City Hall, the massive Norman cathedral-style Masonic Temple has stood tall since 1873.
The church-like structure is the headquarters of the Freemasons of Pennsylvania, with 14th-century roots and members that once included Benjamin Franklin and George Washington.
Guided tours highlight the building’s Renaissance, Egyptian, Moorish and Corinthian-influenced architecture, plus its artwork collection and museum of Revolutionary-era Masonic artifacts.
— Photo courtesy The Masonic Temple
On North Broad, you can find performance venues that are big, small, modern, historic and everything in between.
Once a renowned opera house, the 120-year-old Met Philadelphia is a stunning venue that hosts concerts, comedy acts and performances year-round.
On Temple University’s campus, The Liacouras Center — Philly’s largest indoor public venue north of City Hall — regularly hosts shows and sporting events.
For more intimate experiences, check out Broad Hall at Underground Concepts (a multifaceted space below The Divine Lorraine), or SOUTH Restaurant & Jazz Club (serving up live music and Southern cuisine every week).
The Met Philadelphia — Photo courtesy The Met Philadelphia
Foodies can get their fill at great eateries all up and down North Broad, from the James Beard-recognized Osteria and Honeysuckle to local faves like Max’s Steaks and Santucci’s Pizza & Bar.
You’ll also find plenty of tasty no-frills restaurants like Brunch Brothers, Yummy Phở, and Lil Trent’s Grille & Pizzeria.
Iconic landmarks on the corridor include the Beaux-Arts style Inquirer Building, the Italianate-style Edwin Forrest House (a National Historic Landmark) and the 130-year-old Victorian-style Divine Lorraine — an apartment complex and one of the country’s first racially integrated hotels.
Discover must-see works all along the corridor, including The Rail Park, the elevated former Reading Railroad tracks boasting rustic plantings and industrial artwork; the 41 unmissable, 55-foot-tall North Poles art fixtures; or murals like Meg Saligman’s Common Threads, James Burns’ North Philadelphia Beacon Project and Patrick Dougher’s Luminaries: The Coronation.
Common Threads — Photo by Visit Philadelphia
Each summer, North Broad Renaissance hosts A Summer aBroad, an ever-growing series of free outdoor activities and community events, with discounts from local businesses.
Plus, visitors can tour the neighborhood at their own pace year-round with the Summer aBroad augmented reality app.
The self-guided tour features essential stops like The Divine Lorraine and The Rail Park, along with Sullivan Progress Plaza (the nation’s first Black-owned shopping center) and historic closed-to-the-public venues like the Blue Horizon and Uptown Theater.
You’ve got your choice of hotels in the area, especially the closer you get to the Center City edge of North Broad.
Options include Aloft Philadelphia Downtown, the Hampton Inn Philadelphia Center City Convention Center and the Courtyard Philadelphia Downtown.
The W XYZ Bar at Aloft Philadelphia Downtown — Photo courtesy Aloft Philadelphia Downtown
Ready to experience the neighborhood firsthand? Here are some tips to get you started:
— Photo courtesy North Broad Renaissance
Philadelphia is a city of vibrant neighborhoods bordered by a region of charming towns, with each area owning a distinctive personality. Explore the neighborhoods and towns in and around Philadelphia — their storied streets, interesting attractions, buzzed-about restaurants and year-round happenings.
Use the menu above to explore Philadelphia Neighborhoods